Weathering Ontario

It's c-c-cold here today. What do I mean by that? How about wrapping your head around the figure - minus 25? We were warned earlier about the extreme weather ahead of us. But its not the same when you are feeling the wind slam into your face. All other parts are generally covered but the face/eyes can't be. Unless of course you wear swimming-style goggles. A huge fashion faux pas, surely.

In Southwestern Ontario, where we live, weather as a topic of conversation, comes up with fascinating regularity. We start phone conversations with, 'Hi, cold?'

We view the march of the seasons with interest and sometimes strong feelings. Right now, its a fact that Ontarians are awaiting the arrival of spring really breathlessly. All we see outside our windows are piles of snow, bare trees and cars whizzing by. Few birds, except for the ubiquitious starlings and chickadees.

There is also an interesting medical condition that nervous types are subject to at this time of year. It's called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). An appropriate acronym. The scientific reason is that some people feel depressed more than usual at this time, simply because of lack of sunlight exposure. Not at all far fetched. We, who have been born and bred in tropical countries find it a hardship to get through these days.

Ah, the end of March, harbinger of warmer breezes, melting snow, the heavenly fuzz of green in the garden!

But, as a poet truthfully pointed out, "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?'